VOLUNTEER
Ways to get involved in our Community
New Volunteer Open House!
June 21, 2025 | 12:00 -3:00 pm
Join us to learn more about volunteering, types of volunteer activities and meet other new volunteers. It would be best to email ahead and fill out our volunteer forms, but please feel free to join us last minute as well!
On Farm Volunteering
For some, the daily chores on the farm provides a therapeutic element they seek. Taking in the serenity, tranquility, the sound of horses munching on hay is often considered solace for many.
Just being in the fresh air, interacting with the horses and getting some physical exercise allows many to hit their refresh button.
What you might expect:
Daily Tasks can include:
Turning horses in and out, blanketing, mucking stalls and paddocks, cleaning and refilling stall and paddock waters as needed, feeding, filling hay bags, sweeping, grooming. For advanced equestrians there may be opportunity to work under one of our trainers to lunge or school some of our horses.
Weekly/Monthly Tasks:
Assisting with the unloading of hay into lofts, unloading shavings and grain, general clean up around barn yard including around plantings, dragging the arena, checking fencing and repairing as needed, paint touch ups and more.
There is plenty of opportunity to facilitate a youth or adult program. If you are “horse-savvy” or a skilled rider there are opportunities to work with program participants teaching them basic horsemanship such as grooming, handling, blanketing, cleaning tack, etc. These educational and therapeutic activities put a smile on everyone’s face!
Large Projects:
The organization needs volunteers to help with a number of large-scale but short-term projects. Currently, some of our bigger jobs include repairing and painting of our “main barn”, scrapping topsoil out of paddocks, re-footing them, replacing sections of fencing, and more. Farm maintenance is ongoing. Volunteers with the ability to commit to several hours over a few weeks to tackle one of these projects alongside others are needed. If you have the skill sets &/or equipment to help us get a particular project done please let us know.
Behind the Scenes
There is so much that goes on behind the scenes to keep our horses well-fed, healthy, and safe. Many volunteers prefer getting involved in various “behind the scenes” activities such as:
Advocacy + Outreach
Event planning, Fundraising , Marketing & more
Working on supportive programs for owners
Development of long-term projects from conception to fruition
Administrative support
Board & Committee positions (like fundraising, marketing, etc.)
Join the Ambassador Program
Help us spread the word! Our ambassadors have the opportunity to engage in many different activities. At events, fairs, horse shows, and more, they frequently get to be with one or more of our ambassador ponies while promoting the safety and well-being of equines through our advocacy, education, and outreach programs while meeting so many great people.
USHWR offers something for everyone. For many volunteers, USHWR has enabled them to fulfill a desire to make a difference and develop a greater understanding of the plight of America's discarded horses. For most volunteers, the same passion that has so inspired us to journey down this road quickly emerges in them.
Teen Volunteer Program
Limited space available for a select number of teens to join our summer volunteer program! It’s a great opportunity to spend time handling horses, enjoy the outdoors, work hard, and learn from this unique life experience. Mentored by seasoned volunteers and experienced horse handlers.
The focus is on learning about life caring for horses, doing some chores, and gaining knowledge about their needs: nutritionally, weather protection, general care, etc. Days are variable, based on volunteer staffing.
Qualifies as volunteer hours for school requirements.
Please submit volunteer application, liability release, and a paragraph or two about the student. Spots fill up fast, call 860-593-4298 to talk about opportunities.
Corporate Service Day
Inspire teamwork. Make a difference. Have fun.
Looking for a meaningful and memorable way to bring your team together? At USHorse Welfare and Rescue, we offer a one-of-a-kind experience where your employees can bond, give back, and support our mission to protect and rehabilitate horses in need.
Our Corporate Service Days are designed to align with your company’s values while creating a hands-on, rewarding volunteer opportunity your team will never forget.
Why Host a Corporate Volunteer Day with Us?
Hands-On Volunteering: Whether it’s helping with farm projects, maintaining our grounds, or participating in horse-centered team activities, we’ll match your team with tasks that suit their interests and strengths.
Custom Experiences: From morale-boosting group activities with our rescue horses to fulfilling work for gardeners, fix-it pros, and animal lovers—we tailor the day to your goals.
Flexible Scheduling: Service days are available year-round, most days of the week, for groups of 50 or less.
Family-Friendly Options: Choose to make it an employee-only event or open it up to include their families.
Team Building with Purpose: Create lasting connections among your team while making a real impact in the lives of horses in need.
Amplify Your Impact: Our communications team can collaborate with yours to highlight your company’s commitment to community service through social media and other platforms.
Amenities & Extras: Enjoy access to our covered outdoor pavilion for breaks or lunch. Want to kick things off with inspiration? We’re happy to host a brief educational tour and talk about our mission and the horses your team will be supporting.
Ready to Get Started?
To schedule your company’s day of service or learn more, please email or give Susan Mitchell a call at 860-593-4298 .
More questions? Send us an email at USHorseWelfare@gmail.com
We take volunteers ages 18 and up. Younger children/teens may volunteer when accompanied by a legal guardian or may choose to participate in one of our many youth programs designed for their specific age group. For more information about these programs please go to our “Programs” button.
